Surgical Innovations (SI), the designer and manufacturer of surgeon led solutions for minimally invasive surgery (‘MIS’), is pleased to announce that one of their design engineers, Alasdair Mercer, has been announced as one of the thirty young rising stars of the manufacturing world.
The announcement, made by Business Minister Mark Prisk, substantiates SI’s strategy to drive ‘added value’ manufacturing within the Leeds city region; emphasising the important role British manufacturing has in our economy.
The Make it in Great Britain ‘30 Under 30’ come from all walks of manufacturing and were selected by a panel of expert judges. The campaign aims to transform the image of modern UK manufacturing by using successful young representatives in the industry.
Alasdair, from Leeds, was selected for being a true high-flyer, standing out from his peers and demonstrating passion, enthusiasm and ambition in his role within SI’s product development team. He recently successfully coordinated the development of PretzelFlex™– the world’s first pretzel shaped organ and tissue retractor for use in minimally invasive surgery – taking it from final concept to ultimate manufacture.
The PretzelFlex™ device is available for clinical use in several international markets. It is specifically designed to be used in bariatric (obesity) surgery as the unique shape promotes strength when elevating organs such as the liver to give surgeons a larger operating field during surgery.
Alasdair Mercer, of Surgical Innovations, is one of 30 rising stars in the manufacturing world
Alasdair will now go on to act as an ambassador for the Make it in Great Britain campaign, which aims to challenge outdated opinions about manufacturing. He will have a special role in engaging with other young people, to ensure that the next generation is aware of the rewarding jobs and careers opportunities that are available in the industry.
Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “There’s a huge range of different job opportunities in modern manufacturing, in design, in engineering and in production. We need more talented, enthusiastic people to fill these roles, and we hope that the 30 Under 30 will inspire the next generation to consider a career in manufacturing.”
Successful entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den Star Deborah Meaden is backing the Make it in Great Britain campaign, and is particularly supportive of the 30 under 30.
She said: “It’s important to encourage young people to see the value of manufacturing careers. The 30 under 30 will be a valuable asset to the campaign by offering a fresh perspective on what it takes to start up a business or launch new ideas. I look forward to working alongside them to help inspire the next generation of youngsters about a future in manufacturing.”
Speaking about the announcement Alasdair, added: “I am excited to have been chosen as one of the rising stars of the Make it in Great Britain 30 under 30 campaign. It is a real honour to be able to speak to and inspire young people about a future career in the industry and the strength of the UK in specialist engineering and manufacturing.”
“SI design and manufacture specialist medical devices in the UK for surgeons around the world improving the lives of millions of people and is a great example of precision engineering at its very best.”
The Make it in Great Britain campaign will culminate in an exhibition at the Science Museum, taking place from 24 July until 9 September 2012.
To find out more about Surgical Innovations, please visit www.surginno.com or to find out more about Make it in Great Britain, please visit makeitingreatbritain.bis.gov.uk
ENDS
Notes To editors
1. Media Contacts
For more information or to arrange an interview with Alasdair Mercer, please contact Julia Price or Zoe Boyes, Communications and Marketing Department at Surgical Innovations:
Tel: +44 (0)113 2307597
DD: +44 (0)113 3885488
Email: Julia.price@surginno.co.uk, zoe.boyes@surginno.co.uk
2. More information about Surgical Innovations
Surgical Innovations (SI) specialises in the design and manufacture of surgeon-led for minimally invasive surgery (MIS).
As well as manufacturing single-use and reusable instruments for the laparoscopic market, SI has pioneered its flagship Resposable® instrumentation combining both single use and reusable components delivering the optimum procedure performance to cost ratio.
Over 110 people are employed at the Group’s 32,000 square feet facility in Leeds, with in-house design, plastic injection moulding and manufacturing equipment, producing products to the highest quality standards.
SI’s patented medical devices are sold through the following channels:
SI brand Through an established network of 45 distribution partners, Surgical Innovations branded products are sold in all major medical markets including North America, Europe, South Africa, the Middle East, South-east Asia and Australia.
OEM and IP The Group supplies large medical device companies on an OEM basis, collecting sales fees as well as IP license and royalty fees. Clients include Teleflex Medical, Olympus, Gyrus and CareFusion.
The company was formed in 1992 by Professor M J McMahon, the UK’s foremost laparoscopic surgeon who designed the world’s first laparoscopic retractor using segmented technology enabling a flexible device to be turned into a pre-determined rigid shape. Since inception Surgical Innovations has gained a global reputation for developing innovative solutions to clinical needs in the field of minimally invasive surgery.